Isaiah 42
The Messiah's Approach.This passage is a prophecy about Jesus Christ, as confirmed in the New Testament (Matthew 12:17–21 a). God calls us to look at his servant, the Messiah, with faith and admiration. This servant is chosen, upheld, and loved by God. The prophecy describes the Messiah’s mission, character, and the blessings he brings to the world.v. 1: God introduces the Messiah as my servant, whom I uphold. Though Jesus is the Son of God, he came as a servant to fulfill God’s will. He is also called my elect, chosen by God for this mission. God delights in him and supports him in his work. The Father’s love for the Son is eternal, and he is well pleased with him (Matthew 3:17; Matthew 17:5 b). We are encouraged to trust and rejoice in Christ, knowing that through him, God is pleased with us. v. 2–3: The Messiah’s work is marked by gentleness and compassion. He shall not strive, nor cry, meaning he will not seek attention or act with violence. He will not break a bruised reed or quench smoking flax. This means he will care for the weak and encourage those with little faith. Jesus is patient with sinners and tender toward those who are struggling. He strengthens the weak and helps them grow in faith (Isaiah 65:5 c). – v. 4: The Messiah will not fail or be discouraged, even when faced with opposition. He will persevere until his mission is complete. He shall not fail nor be discouraged until he establishes justice and truth on the earth. His gospel will spread to the Gentiles, and they will eagerly receive his law. The islands, representing distant nations, will wait for his teaching and welcome it with joy. The Messiah's Approach.This section explains the covenant and commission that God gave to the Messiah. God introduces himself as the Creator of everything and reminds us of his power and authority. He promises to support the Messiah and work through him to bring light and freedom to the world. The passage also describes how God will keep his promises and how all people everywhere will eventually praise him for sending the Messiah.v. 5: God speaks as the Creator and ruler of all things. Thus saith God the Lord. He made the heavens, stretched them out, spread out the earth, and gives breath and spirit to all people. This shows that God has the right and the power to send the Messiah and fulfill his promises (Isaiah 40:22 d). v. 6: God tells the Messiah, I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee. The Messiah did not choose himself for this role; God called him and will support him all the way (Hebrews 5:4 e). God promises to help and protect him in every part of his mission. v. 7: The Messiah will bring great blessings. He is given as a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles. He will open blind eyes and set prisoners free. This means he will bring spiritual understanding and freedom to people who are lost and trapped in darkness (Matthew 4:16; Acts 26:18 f). v. 8: God confirms that he alone is the Lord. I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images (Isaiah 42:8). He is jealous for his glory and will not share it with idols. Sending the Messiah will help turn people from false gods to the true God (Exodus 6:3 g). v. 9: God reminds his people that his past promises have come true. Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare (Isaiah 42:9). Just as God kept his old promises, he will fulfill these new promises about the Messiah and his blessings (1 Kings 8:56 h). v. 10: Because of these wonderful promises, all people should praise God. Sing unto the Lord a new song (Isaiah 42:10). This new song is for all nations, not just Israel. People from every part of the world, even those who travel by sea, should praise God for his goodness and salvation (Psalm 24:1; Psalm 107:23 i). v. 11–12: People living in the wilderness, in cities, and on remote islands are all called to join in praising God. Even those in the most distant or humble places are included. The gospel will reach all kinds of people, and they will declare God’s praise everywhere (Isaiah 42:12 j). – Judgment and Mercy.This section describes how God will act powerfully to prepare the way for the gospel and the praise of people from all nations. It shows both God’s judgment against His enemies and His mercy to those who trust Him. The passage uses strong images to show how God will fight for His people and guide them into light and truth. It also warns that those who continue to worship idols will be put to shame.v. 13: God will come forth like a mighty warrior. The Lord shall go forth as a mighty man, he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war (Isaiah 42:13). He will overcome His enemies and bring victory for His people. For a long time, God waited patiently and allowed nations to go their own way (Acts 17:30 k). But now, through the preaching of the gospel, God will act with power to defeat evil and break the hold of idols and Satan. The gospel will spread quickly, and all barriers to its progress will be removed (Revelation 6:2 l). – v. 15: God will use his strength to change the world. I will make waste mountains and hills, and dry up all their herbs; and I will make the rivers islands, and I will dry up the pools (Isaiah 42:15). This means God will remove every obstacle that blocks his people or the good news, just as he did when he humbled the enemies of Israel in the past. v. 16: God will show mercy and guidance to those who are lost or confused. I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not (Isaiah 42:16). He will lead people into light and make their paths straight and clear. God promises not to abandon those who trust him, but to continually help them and show them the way. v. 17: Those who continue to trust in idols will be disappointed and ashamed. They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images (Isaiah 42:17). When people see the power of the true God, they will realize that idols are useless and will regret ever putting their hope in them. The Blindness of the Jews.In this section, the prophet shifts from comforting the faithful believers to addressing the unbelieving Jews. Among those in Babylonian captivity, there were those who, like the "evil figs" in Jeremiah's vision (Jeremiah 24:9 m), did not learn from their punishment. These people represent the Jews who rejected Christ and suffered the consequences of their unbelief. The prophet calls them to acknowledge their blindness and turn back to God.v. 18: The prophet calls to the deaf and blind, Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see (Isaiah 42:18). This command emphasizes God’s desire for them to recognize their spiritual condition and respond. Just as Jesus healed the man with the withered hand by commanding him to stretch it out, God calls the spiritually blind and deaf to make an effort so that his divine power can heal them. v. 19–20: God describes their condition: Who is blind, but my servant? or deaf, as my messenger? The Jews were supposed to be God’s servants and messengers, yet they were spiritually blind and deaf. Their priests and prophets, who should have been leading the people in truth, were blind to God’s ways. Despite seeing many things and hearing God’s words, they failed to observe or heed them. This willful blindness is worse for those who claim to be God’s people (Malachi 2:7; Matthew 13:14–15 n). – v. 21: Despite their failure, God remains committed to his righteousness. The Lord is well pleased for his righteousness’ sake; he will magnify the law and make it honorable (Isaiah 42:21). God will uphold his word and fulfill his promises, even if people reject them. His justice and truth will not fail, and he will ensure that his word is respected and fulfilled. v. 22: The consequences of their spiritual blindness are described: This is a people robbed and spoiled (Isaiah 42:22). The Jews suffered captivity and destruction because of their sins. They were trapped, hidden in prisons, and abandoned by those who might have helped them. This prophecy points forward to the final destruction of the Jewish nation by the Romans, which came as a result of rejecting Christ. v. 23: The prophet calls for repentance: Who among you will give ear to this? who will hearken and hear for the time to come? (Isaiah 42:23). He urges them to listen to God’s warnings and learn from their suffering. Even after repeated failures, there is still hope for those who will turn to God and seek him with sincerity. v. 24–25: Finally, the prophet reminds them that their suffering is the result of their own disobedience. Who gave Jacob for a spoil, and Israel to the robbers? Did not the Lord, he against whom we have sinned? (Isaiah 42:24). Their refusal to walk in God’s ways and their disregard for his commands brought about their judgment. Despite God’s fiery wrath, they failed to recognize his hand in their suffering and did not repent. This stubbornness and refusal to change only led to further destruction.
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